Outsource Buyer

Build Strategic Supply Chains. Solve Complex Manufacturing Challenges. Drive Results.

At Scot Forge, we manufacture high-performance forged components for some of the world's most demanding industries. With more than 130 years of success, $600M in revenue, and 100% employee ownership, we offer more than a job, we offer the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

We're hiring an Outsource Buyer to support our machining, heat treat, and outsourced manufacturing operations. This highly visible role is responsible for developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, evaluating manufacturing capabilities, and ensuring outsourced work is delivered at the highest levels of quality, cost competitiveness, and on-time delivery. Through a combination of technical expertise and strong relationship management, this position helps Scot Forge meet customer commitments while supporting growth and operational performance.

You'll partner closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Sales, Production Control, and external suppliers to develop innovative manufacturing solutions, support new business opportunities, and ensure outsourced operations align with customer requirements and production schedules.

This position is based in Spring Grove, Illinois and offers the opportunity to influence a critical part of Scot Forge's manufacturing and supply chain strategy.

Why This Role

This is a unique opportunity for someone who enjoys combining technical manufacturing knowledge with strategic sourcing and supplier management.

We're seeking a collaborative, results-oriented professional who can evaluate manufacturing processes, identify capable suppliers, manage complex projects, and build strong relationships across internal and external stakeholders. Success in this role requires both technical credibility and the ability to influence outcomes without direct authority.

The ideal candidate has experience in machining, CNC programming, manufacturing engineering, outsourced manufacturing, or industrial purchasing, and understands the challenges of supporting production in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What You'll Own

• Supplier sourcing, qualification, and performance management programs
• Procurement of outsourced machining, heat treat, and manufacturing services
• Vendor quality, on-time delivery, and cost performance metrics
• Development of supplier relationships and vendor management systems
• Manufacturing outsourcing strategies that support production requirements and customer commitments

What You'll Do

• Evaluate manufacturing requirements, identify capable suppliers, develop RFQs, evaluate quotations, and place work with qualified vendors
• Monitor supplier quality, delivery, and pricing performance while resolving issues that impact production schedules or customer requirements
• Partner with cross-functional teams to support new product introductions, project deliverables, production priorities, and customer expectations
• Develop and maintain strong supplier partnerships that create long-term value for both Scot Forge and its vendors
• Monitor shop workloads and identify opportunities to strategically subcontract work to support capacity and delivery objectives
• Help develop and improve purchasing processes, ERP workflows, vendor management systems, and sourcing practices

What We're Looking For

• Associate's degree in a technical manufacturing discipline or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in machining, CNC programming, manufacturing, or a related technical field
• Purchasing experience, particularly involving outsourced machining or manufacturing services, strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, machining operations, inspection methods, and GD&T
• Proven ability to build relationships and effectively influence colleagues, suppliers, and customers at all organizational levels
• Experience with supplier management, project management, negotiation, cost analysis, or vendor development preferred
• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field preferred
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship and able to pass a pre-employment drug screening

Why Scot Forge

• 100% employee-owned industry leader in forged and engineered metal products
• Opportunity to play a critical role in supporting manufacturing operations and customer success
• Exposure to a wide range of manufacturing processes, suppliers, and strategic sourcing initiatives
• High-impact position with visibility across Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Sales
• Strong commitment to employee development, continuous improvement, and operational excellence
• Stable, growing organization with a long-term ownership mindset

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you're a manufacturing professional who enjoys solving complex supply chain challenges, building strong supplier partnerships, and supporting world-class manufacturing operations, we'd like to connect.

Compensation

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Hearing, Life Insurance, Disability, 401(k) with company match, Profit Sharing, ESOP, FSA/HSA programs, paid time off, vacation, and paid holidays.

Scot Forge is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and inclusion and welcome all qualified candidates to apply.

We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.